Information processing system, method and recording medium

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus that functions as a client of a distributed file system is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes: a distributed file system process part for mounting a file system of a server apparatus on the image forming apparatus to enable the image forming apparatus to access the file system of the server apparatus as the distributed file system of the image forming apparatus; and a storing process part for accessing the file system of the server apparatus and storing, in the file system, information that is stored in a storage unit used by the image forming apparatus.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/680,870, filed Nov. 19, 2012, which is a divisional application ofU.S. Ser. No. 13/051,821, filed Mar. 18, 2011, (now U.S. Pat. No.8,339,649), which is a continuation application of Ser. No. 10/900,098filed Jul. 28, 2004, (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,933,033), which claimspriority to Japanese patent application No. 2003-203078, filed in theJPO on Jul. 29, 2003, Japanese patent application No. 2004-213188, filedin the JPO on Jul. 21, 2004, Japanese patent application No.2004-213189, filed in the JPO on Jul. 21, 2004, Japanese patentapplication No. 2004-213190, filed in the JPO on Jul. 21, 2004. Thecontents of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing system suchas copier/printer/scanner/facsimile/compound machine (to be alsoreferred to as combined machine) and the like, an information processingmethod, an information processing recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, a compound machine that includes a copying function, aprinter function and a scanner function is coming onto the market. Whenthe compound machine functions as a copier or a printer, an image is tobe printed on a printing paper. When the compound machine functions as acopier or a scanner, an image is read from a document. When the compoundmachine functions as a facsimile, the compound machine receives or sendsan image via a telephone line. Japanese laid-open patent application No.2002-84383 discloses a technology relating to the compound machine.

The compound machine executes various information processing by usingvarious programs such as applications or platforms. For storinginformation relating to the information processing, various storingmeans such as a hard disk drive and a memory card provided in thecompound machine are used. If a hard disk drive or a memory card of apersonal computer or a server computer that is connected to the compoundmachine can be used in addition to the hard disk drive or the memorycard of the compound machine, more preferable execution environment canbe realized for the information processing.

In addition, if the hard disk drive or the memory card of the compoundmachine can be used by a PC (personal computer) connected to thecompound machine, more preferable execution environment can be realizedfor the information processing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to enable an informationprocessing system to use storage of apparatuses connected thereto as adestination for storing information used for information processing soas to improve environment for executing information processing.

Another object of the present invention is to enable apparatusesconnected to the information processing system to use storage thereof toimprove the environment for executing information processing.

These objects are achieved by an information processing systemcomprising a first information processing apparatus configured toperform a first information processing; a second information processingapparatus configured to perform a second information processing; a datastorage portion in the second information processing apparatus that canreceive and store data from the first information processing apparatus,the data storage portion including a plurality of data storingdestinations, each of which corresponds to a specific second informationprocessing process and wherein some of the plurality of data storingdestinations correspond to an output destination; a processing portionin the second information processing apparatus, the processing portionconfigured to perform the specific second information processingcorresponding to a selected one of the plurality of data storingdestinations, and wherein when the selected one of the plurality of datastoring destinations corresponds to an output destination, the datastorage portion outputs data to the output destination corresponding tothe selected one of the plurality of data storing destinations.

The present invention is also configured as an information processingmethod comprising the steps of performing a first information processingin a first information processing apparatus; sending data from the firstinformation processing apparatus to a second information processingapparatus having a data storage portion including a plurality of datastoring destinations, each of which corresponds to a specific secondinformation processing process, wherein some of the plurality of datastoring destinations correspond to an output destination; performing thespecific second information processing process corresponding to aselected one of the plurality of data storing destinations using thesecond information processing apparatus; and outputting, by the datastorage portion, data to the output destination corresponding to theselected one of the plurality of data storing destinations when theselected one of the plurality of data storing destinations correspondsto an output destination.

The present invention is also configured as an information processingsystem comprising an information processing apparatus configured toperform information processing; a data storage portion in theinformation processing apparatus that can receive and store data fromanother information processing apparatus, the data storage portionincluding a plurality of data storing destinations, each of whichcorresponds to a specific information processing process and whereinsome of the plurality of data storing destinations correspond to anoutput destination; a processing portion in the information processingapparatus, the processing portion configured to perform the specificinformation processing corresponding to a selected one of the pluralityof data storing destinations, and wherein when the selected one of theplurality of data storing destinations corresponds to an outputdestination, the data storage portion outputs data to the outputdestination corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of datastoring destinations.

In addition, the present invention can be configured as a computerreadable medium storing an information processing program for causing animage forming apparatus to perform information processing, comprisingfirst information processing means for performing a first informationprocessing in a first information processing apparatus; data sendingmeans for sending data from the first information processing apparatusto a second information processing apparatus having a data storageportion including a plurality of data storing destinations, each ofwhich corresponds to a specific second information processing process,wherein some of the plurality of data storing destinations correspond toan output destination; second information processing means forperforming the specific second information processing processcorresponding to a selected one of the plurality of data storingdestinations using the second information processing apparatus; andoutputting means for outputting, by the data storage portion, data tothe output destination corresponding to the selected one of theplurality of data storing destinations when the selected one of theplurality of data storing destinations corresponds to an outputdestination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a compound machine of an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of the compound machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an external view of the compound machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an operation panel;

FIG. 5 shows a compound machine launching part;

FIG. 6 shows a configuration of software relating to a SD memory cardslot and a SD memory card;

FIG. 7 shows an information processing system using NFS;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining information processing in NFS;

FIG. 9 shows an example of an output by df command;

FIG. 10 is a figure for explaining a first example of usage of NFS;

FIG. 11 is a figure for explaining a second example of usage of NFS;

FIG. 12 is a figure for explaining a third example of usage of NFS;

FIG. 13 is a figure for explaining a fourth example of usage of NFS;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are figures for explaining formats of data stored in aHDD;

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram relating to a copy process (scanningprocess);

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram relating to a copy process (printprocess);

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram relating to a facsimile sending process;

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram relating to a facsimile receiving process;

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram relating to a printing process;

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram of an authentication process and a userestriction process;

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a transition process from awaiting mode to a power saving mode;

FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram of a transition process from a powersaving mode to an OFF mode;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a launching process of a SDK application inthe HDD 233;

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of a launching process of a SDK application inthe HDD 703;

FIG. 25 shows an information processing system using NFS;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining an example for explaining aninformation processing using NFS;

FIG. 27 is an example of an output by df command;

FIG. 28 is a figure for explaining examples of usage of NFS;

FIG. 29 shows a sequence diagram relating to a print process;

FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram relating to a facsimile sending process;

FIG. 31 is a sequence diagram relating to a print process;

FIG. 32 is a sequence diagram relating to a facsimile sending process;

FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram relating to a file transfer process;

FIG. 34 is a sequence diagram relating to a file update process;

FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram relating to a mail delivering process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

In the following, the first embodiment of the present invention isdescribed with reference to figures.

FIG. 1 shows a compound machine 101 of the embodiment of the presentinvention. The compound machine 101 shown in FIG. 1 includes varioushardware 111, various software 112 and a compound machine launching part113.

The hardware 111 of the compound machine 101 includes an image pickuppart 121, a printing part 122, and other hardware 123. The image pickuppart 121 is hardware for reading an image (image data) from a document.The printing part 122 is hardware for printing the image on a printingpaper.

The software 112 of the compound machine 101 includes variousapplications 131 and various platforms 132. These programs are executedin parallel as processes by an OS (operating system) such as UNIX.

The application 131 includes a copy application 141 that is anapplication for copying, a printer application 142 that is anapplication for printing, a scanner application 143 that is anapplication for scanning, a facsimile application 144 that is anapplication for facsimile, and a network file application 145 that is anapplication for network file.

An application can be developed by using a dedicated SDK (softwaredevelopment kit). An application developed by using the SDK is called aSDK application. The SDK includes executable files of the platform 132,a dedicated function library of the platform 132, a C language standardfunction library, a compiler for compiling a source file of theapplication 131 to generate an object file of the application 131, and alinker for linking the object file with the dedicated function libraryand the standard function library to generate an executable file of theapplication. The compiler of the SDK includes an optional function(debug option) for adding a tag that is a detection code for debuggingat an entry or at an exit of a function in a source code. When a SDKapplication to which the tag is added is launched in the compoundmachine 101, a console PC 102 that is connected to the compound machine101 displays a variable value, a function argument, or a function returnvalue with a message. By displaying such information, the user canefficiently perform debugging of the SDK application.

The platform 132 includes control services 151, a system resourcemanager 152, and handlers 153. The control services 151 include anetwork control service (NCS) 161, a facsimile control service (FCS)162, a delivery control service (DCS) 163, an engine control service(ECS) 164, a memory control service (MCS) 165, an operation panelcontrol service (OCS) 166, a certification control service (CCS) 167, auser directory control service (UCS) 168, and a system control service(SCS) 169. The handlers 153 include a facsimile control unit handler(FCUH) 171 and an image memory handler (IMH) 172.

The process of the NCS 161 intermediates network communications. Theprocess of FCS 162 provides APIs for facsimile. The process of DCS 163controls delivery processes of stored documents. The process of ECS 164performs control for the image pickup part 121 or the printing part 122.The process of MCS 165 performs control foe the memory and the hard diskdrive. The process of the OCS 166 performs control of the operationpanel. The process of CCS 167 performs control for authenticationprocess and billing process. The process of the UCS 168 performs controlrelating to management of user information. The process of the SCS 169performs control of management of the system.

A virtual application service (VAS) 135 exists as software forperforming mediation between the application 131 and the platform 132.The VAS 135 operates as a server process for each application thatfunctions as a client, and operates as a client process for the platformthat functions as a server. The VAS 135 has a wrapping function forhiding the platform 132 from the application 131. In addition, the VAShas a function for absorbing version differences between the platforms132 and APIs of the applications.

The compound machine launch part 113 is executed first when the power isturned on. Accordingly, the OS such as UNIX is launched, and theapplications 131 and the platform 132 are launched. These programs arestored on the hard disk drive or in the memory card, and are read fromthe hard disk drive or from the memory card, and are loaded into amemory.

FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of the compound machine 101 shown inFIG. 1. The hardware 111 of the compound machine 101 includes acontroller 201, an operation panel 202, a facsimile control unit (FCU)203, an image pickup part 121 and a printing part 122.

The controller 201 includes a CPU 211, an ASIC 212, a NB 221, a SB 222,a MEM-P 231, a MEM-C 232, a HDD (hard disk drive) 233, a memory cardslot 234, a NIC (network interface controller) 241, a USB device 242, anIEEE 1394 device 243 and a Centronics device 244.

The CPU 211 is an IC for various information processing. The ASIC 212 isan IC for various image processing. The NB 221 is a north bridge for thecontroller 201. The SB 222 is a south bridge for the controller 201. TheMEM-P 231 is a system memory for the compound machine 101. The MEM-C 232is a local memory of the compound machine 101. The HDD 233 is a storageof the compound machine 101. The memory card slot 234 is a slot forsetting the memory card 235. The NIC 241 is a controller for networkcommunications by MAC addresses. The USB device 242 is a device forproviding connection terminals of IEEE 1394 standard. The Centronicsdevice 244 is a device for providing connection terminals of Centronics.

The operation panel 202 is hardware (operation part) by which the userinputs data into the compound machine 101, and also hardware (displaypart) for obtaining output data from the compound machine 101.

FIG. 3 is an external view of the compound machine 101 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3shows a position of the image pickup part 121, a position of theprinting part 122 and a position of the operation panel 202. FIG. 3further shows a document setting part 301 on which the documents areset, a paper feed part 302 for feeding papers, and a paper ejecting part303 for ejecting a printing paper.

As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 202 includes a touch panel 311,ten keys 312, a start button 313, a reset button 314, an initial settingbutton 315. The touch panel 311 is hardware (touch operation part) forinputting data by touch operation, and is also hardware (image displaypart) for displaying image. The ten keys 312 are hardware for inputnumbers by key operations. The start button 313 is hardware forperforming start operation by button operation. The reset button 314 ishardware for performing reset operation by button operation. The initialsetting button 315 is hardware for displaying an initial setting screenby button operation.

The document setting part 301 includes an ADF (automatic documentfeeder) 321, a flat bed 322, and a flat bet cover 323. The paper feedingpart 302 includes four feeding trays. The paper ejecting part 303includes one ejecting tray.

(Compound Machine Launch Part)

In the following, the compound machine launch part 113 of FIG. 1 isdescribed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the compound machine launch part 113 includes amemory monitoring part 501 an a program launch part 502.

When the power of the compound machine 101 is turned on, BIOS and bootloader that form the memory monitoring part 501 are launched, so thatthe OS that is the UNIX is launched. Next, a launch processing programthat forms the program launch part 502 is launched, so that theapplications and the platform 132 are launched. When the UNIX islaunched, a kernel of the UNIX is launched, a root file system isunfolded, so that file systems relating to the applications and theplatform are mounted on the root system file.

(Memory Card)

In the following, the memory card slot 234 and the memory card 235 aredescribed. The memory card slot 234 is a slot to which the memory card235 is inserted, in which the memory card 235 stores programs such theapplications 131 or the platform 132. The programs stored in the memorycard 235 are read and loaded in the MEM-P 231 or the MEM-C 232.

As the memory card 235, an SD (Secure Digital) memory card that is akind of a flash memory card is used. By using the SD memory card, thereis a merit in that large capacity memories can be used at a low cost.For the SD memory card, a SD memory card slot is used as the memory cardslot 234.

As shown in FIG. 6, the compound machine 101 includes a SD memory cardaccess driver (SD access) 611, a SD memory card status driver (SDstatus) 612, a launch processing program 613, and a SD memory card checkprogram (SD check) 614 as software relating to the SD memory card slot601 and the SD memory card 602 (corresponding to memory card slot 234and memory card 235).

SD access 611 is a driver for performing access control for the SDmemory card 602. More specifically, the SD access 611 detectsinsert/eject of the SD memory card 602, for example. SD status 612 is adriver for managing information of insert/eject/mount/unmount for the SDmemory card. The launch processing program 613 is a program forming theprogram launch part 502 of FIG. 5. The SD check 614 is a program forperforming mount/unmount of the SD memory card 602.

When the SD memory card 602 is inserted into the SD memory card slot601, the SD access 611 detects that the SD memory card 602 is insertedin step 1, and SD access 611 notifies the SD status 612 of it in step 2.In response to that, the SD status 612 manages information thatindicates that the SD memory card 602 has been inserted, and notifiesthe launch processing program 613 that the SD memory card 602 has beeninserted in step 3. In response to that, the launch processing program613 launches the SD check 614 to mount the SD memory card 602. Inresponse to that, the SD check 614 mounts the SD memory card 602 in step5, and notifies the SD status 612 of it in step 6. In response to that,the SD status 612 manages information indicating that the SD memory card602 is mounted, and notifies the launch processing program 613 that theSD memory card 602 has been mounted in step 7.

When the SD memory card 602 is pulled out from the SD memory card slot601, the SD access 611 detects that the SD memory card 602 has beenpulled out in step 1, and SD access 611 notifies the SD status 612 thatthe SD memory card 602 has been pulled out in step 2. In response tothat, the SD status 612 manages information that indicates that the SDmemory card 602 has been pulled out, and notifies the launch processingprogram 613 that that the SD memory card 602 has been pulled out in step3. In response to that, the launch processing program 613 launches theSD check 614 to unmount the SD memory card 602 in step 4. In response tothat, the SD check 614 unmounts the SD memory card 602 in step 5, andnotifies the SD status 612 of it in step 6. In response to that, the SDstatus 612 manages information indicating that the SD memory card 602 isunmounted, and notifies the launch processing program 613 that the SDmemory card 602 has been unmounted in step 7.

By adopting the SD memory card, so-called hot insertion and removal ofthe card can be realized. That is, an operation for inserting the SDmemory card 602 into the SD memory card slot 601 and an operation forremoving the SD memory card 602 from the SD memory card slot 601 can beperformed after the compound machine 101 is launched.

(NFS)

In the following, an information processing system of FIG. 7 includingthe compound machine 101 shown in FIG. 1 is described. The informationprocessing system shown in FIG. 7 includes the compound machine 101 anda server computer 701. The compound machine 101 and the server computer701 are connected by a LAN (local area network) 702. The LAN 702 isconstituted by the Ethernet in this example.

The compound machine 101 of FIG. 1 performs various informationprocesses by using various programs such as the applications 131 and theplatforms 132. In the information processing system of FIG. 7, not onlythe HDD 233 and the SD memory card 602 of the compound machine 101 butalso a HDD 703 and a SD memory card 705 of the server computer 701 canbe used as a storing destination of information relating to variousinformation processes performed by the compound machine 101.

To realize this configuration, NFS (network file system) that is one oftechnologies for realizing a distributed file system is used in thisembodiment. A file system in the HDD 703 in the server computer 701 canbe used as a distributed file system of the compound machine 101. In theinformation processing system of FIG. 7, a file system of the servercomputer 701 is used as a storing destination of information relating toinformation processing by the compound machine 101.

UNIX that is the OS 706 is installed in the HDD 703 of the servercomputer 701. The server computer 701 functions as a server (NFS server)of NFS. The OS (UNIX) is also installed in the HDD 233 in the compoundmachine 101. The compound machine 101 is connected to the servercomputer 701 via the network, so that the compound machine 101 functionsas a client (NSF client) of NFS. Accordingly, information processing ofNFS such as “vfs (virtual file system) operation”, “v-node (virtualnode) operation” can be performed by the UNIX in the server 701 and inthe compound machine 101.

Network protocols used for network communications in NFS between thecompound machine 101 and the server computer 701 are IP as a network(third) layer protocol in the OSI reference model, UDP as a transport(fourth) layer protocol, RPC as a session (fifth) layer protocol, andXDR as a presentation (sixth) layer protocol. Although TCP may be usedas the transport (fourth) layer protocol, UDP is used in this embodimentin consideration of speed rather than reliability.

As a technology for realizing the distributed file system, “samba” maybe used instead of NFS. In this case, Windows is installed in the HDD703 in the server computer 701 as the OS 706, so that the servercomputer 701 functions as a server (samba server) of samba. UNIX isinstalled in the HDD 233 of the compound machine 101, and the compoundmachine 101 functions as a client (samba client) of samba. By usingsamba, the UNIX machine can use a shared folder of a Windows machine.

Network protocols for performing network communications in samba betweenthe compound machine 101 and the server computer 701 are IP as the thirdlayer, TCP as the fourth layer, NETBIOS as the fifth layer, SMB as thesixth layer, and samba as the seventh layer. Alternatively, NetBEUI canbe used as the third and fourth layers, and NETBIOS can be used as thefifth layer. Further alternatively, IPX can be used as the third layer,and SPX can be used as the fourth and fifth layers. Since SMB supportsthe folder sharing function and the file sharing function of Windows,the samba server can be called as a SMB server and the samba client canbe called as a SMB client.

As mentioned above, although either of NFS or samba or othertechnologies can be used for realizing the distributed file system, NFSis used in the following example for the sake of explanation.

By referring to FIG. 8, information processing performed by the compoundmachine 101 in a case where an application in the compound machine 101accesses a file in a file system in the server computer 701 isdescribed.

When the application in the compound machine 101 accesses a file in thefile system of the server computer 701, the application issues a mountsystem call for the file system of the server computer 701 in step 801.In response to that, the OS 136 of the compound machine 101 mounts thefile system of the server computer 701 on the compound machine 101 instep 802, so that the file system of the server computer 701 isaccessible as a distributed file system of the compound machine 101.

Next, the application of the compound machine 101 accesses the filesystem as the distributed file system of the compound machine 101 so asto access the file.

When the application starts to access the file, the application issuesan open system call to the file in step 803. When the application endsto access the file, the application issues a close system call to thefile in step 806. By performing the open system call, the applicationobtains a file descriptor of the file and the OS 136 obtains a filehandle of the file.

When the application accesses the file, the application issues a systemcall by using the file descriptor in step 804. In response to that, theOS 136 of the compound machine 101 sends a system call of the filedescriptor (that is a NFS call of the file handle) to the OS 706 of theserver computer 701 in step 805. When the OS 706 of the server computer701 receives the NFS call, the OS 706 executes a command in the NFScall.

The file system of the compound machine is described with reference toFIG. 9. In UNIX, the storage area in the HDD is divided into a pluralityof partitions. Usually, in UNIX, partitions from “a” to “h” exist. Thepartition “a” is a root file system “/”, “b” is SWAP, “c” is a wholearea, partitions from “d” to “h” are file systems such as “/user” andthe like. FIG. 9 is an example of information on the file system of thecompound machine 101 that is displayed by a df command of the OS 136(UNIX). FIG. 9 shows that “a” in the HDD 233 is mounted on “/”, “e” ismounted on “/user”. In addition, FIG. 9 shows that “/dir1” that is adirectory (file system) of the server computer 701 “host a” is mountedon “/host_a/dir1” that is a directory (mount point) of the compoundmachine 101.

In the following, a mount process and an unmount process are describedin the following, in which the mount process is performed for mountingthe file system of the server computer 701 on the compound machine 101and the unmount process is performed for unmounting the file system ofthe computer 701 from the compound machine 101.

In the processes of steps 801 and 802 in FIG. 8, when the applicationneeds to access the file system, in response to the system call by theapplication, the OS 136 performs mount of the file system. When theapplication does not need to access the file system, in response to thesystem call by the application, the OS 136 performs unmount of the filesystem. According to necessity for accessing the file system of theserver computer 701, mount or unmount for the file system of the servercomputer 701 is performed.

The possibility that the compound machine 101 may be affected due to atrouble of the server computer 701 can be reduced by unmounting the filesystem from the server computer 701 when it is not necessary to accessthe file system of the server computer 701.

Instead of performing mount of the file system by using the mount systemcall of the application, automount of the OS 136 can be used.

Alternatively, the file system may continue to be mounted on thecompound machine 101 while the compound machine 101 is being operated.In this case, a setting file relating to the mount processing isprepared in the HDD 233 or in the SD memory card 602, so that the OS 136executes the mount of the system file in response to a system call bythe launch processing program at the time when the power of the compoundmachine 101 is turned on.

As mentioned above, in the information processing system of FIG. 7, NFS(network file system) that is one of technologies for realizing thedistributed file system can be used. In the following, examples of usageof NFS in the information processing system of FIG. 7 are described inmore detail.

(1) First Example

FIG. 10 is a figure for explaining a first example of the usage of NFS.In the first example, the HDD 703 in the server computer 701 is used asa backup destination (restore source) of stored information in the HDD233 or the SD memory card 602 of the compound machine 101.

The information processing of the first example is performed by the MCS165 (refer to FIG. 1). That is, the MCS 165 accesses a file system 1001in the HDD 703 as a distributed file system of the compound machine 101,and stores backup files 1021 and 1022 of the files 1011 and 1012 intothe file system 1001, wherein the files 1011 and 1012 are informationstored in the HDD 233 or the SD memory card 602. Further, the MCS 165accesses the file system in the HDD 703 as the distributed file systemof the compound machine 101, so that the MCS 165 restores the backupinformation into the HDD 233 or the SD memory card 602 from the backupfiles 1021 and 1022.

The backup process or the restore process can be performed by the MCS165 when a “backup button” or a “list button” is touched on a screendisplayed on the touch panel 311 by the application. Instead of such alocal operation by the touch panel 311, the operation of the backup canbe performed remotely from a terminal. The above-mentioned “backupprocess” can be automatically performed by the MCS 165 periodically, forexample, once a week. Instead of performing the backup process by theMCS 165, another program that is launched periodically may automaticallyperform the backup process.

Data in the file stored in the HDD 233 or the SD memory card 602 may beimage data or may be user information. The image data may be obtained byscanning a document by the image pickup part 121, or may be data to beprinted by the printing part 122. The user information may beauthentication information of users, billing information, resource userestriction information, scanner destinations, facsimile destinations orthe like. The backup target can be other files.

An example of a merit of the first embodiment is that data can beprotected even when an failure of the HDD 233 or the SD memory cardoccurs. Especially, since UNIX is used in this embodiment, there is amerit in adopting the first example.

(2) Second Example

FIG. 11 is a figure for explaining a second example of the usage of NFS.In the second example, the HDD 703 in the server computer 701 is used asa storing destination of a SDK application file 1041 that includes a SDKapplication. The SDK application stored in the SDK application file 1041is restored from the HDD 703 and launched in the compound machine 101.The SDK application file 1041 is an executable file of the SDKapplication.

The launch processing program that corresponds to the program launchpart 502 performs the information processing of the second example. Thatis, the launch processing program accesses the file system in the HDD703 as a distributed file system of the compound machine 101, so thatthe program loads the SDK application stored in the file system 1001into the MEM-P 231 or the MEM-C 232.

(3) Third Example

FIG. 12 is a figure for explaining a third example of usage of NFS. Inthe third example, the HDD 703 is used as a storing destination of a SDKapplication file 1042 that includes a SDK application to which the tagwhich is the detection code for debugging is attached. The SDKapplication stored in the SDK application file 1042 is restored from theHDD 703 and launched in the compound machine 101. The SDK applicationfile 1042 is an executable file of the SDK application.

In the third example, the launch processing program that corresponds tothe program launch part 502 performs the information processing. Thatis, the launch processing program accesses the file system in the HDD703 as a distributed file system of the compound machine 101, so thatthe program loads the SDK application stored in the file system 1001into the MEM-P 231 or the MEM-C 232.

When the SDK application to which the tag is added is launched in thecompound machine 101 as a debugging target, a console PC 102 connectedto the compound machine 101 displays variable values, functionarguments, or function return values with a message. Accordingly,debugging for the SDK application can be efficiently performed. The HDD703 in the server computer 701 may store telnetd, ftpd, emacs, mule, gdband the like. In the case where the server computer 701 stores telnetd,ftpd, emacs, mule, gdb and the like, by performing romboot instead ofnetboot in the compound machine 101 and by performing REMOTElogin byusinf telnet and the like from a terminal and the like, the debugging ofthe SDK application can be performed more efficiently.

(4) Fourth Example

FIG. 13 is a figure for explaining a fourth example of usage of NFS. Inthe fourth example, the HDD 703 in the server computer 701 is used as astoring destination (obtaining source) of stored information in the HDD233 or the SD memory card 602 of the compound machine 101. The firstexample and the fourth example are different in that the HDD 703 is usedas a normal storing destination (obtaining source) in this example.

The information processing of the fourth example is performed by the MCS165 (refer to FIG. 1). That is, the MCS 165 accesses a file system 1001in the HDD 703 as a distributed file system of the compound machine 101,and stores files 1011 and 1012 in the file system 1001 as files 1021 and1022, wherein the files 1011 and 1012 are originally stored informationin the HDD 233 or the SD memory card 602. Further, the MCS 165 accessesthe file system 1001 in the HDD 703, so that the MCS 165 obtains datainto the HDD 233 or the SD memory card 602 from the files 1021 and 1022as files 1031 and 1032.

Data in the file stored in the HDD 233 or the SD memory card 602 may beimage data or may be user information. The image data may be obtained byscanning a document by the image pickup part 121, or may be data thatcan be printed by the printing part 122. The user information may beauthentication information of users, billing information, resource userestriction information, scanner destinations, facsimile destinations orthe like. The storing target can be other files.

An example of a merit of the fourth embodiment is that apparatuses canshare information. For example, scanned data in a compound machine canbe used as print data in another compound machine. In addition, imagedata obtained by a compound machine can be browsed by a terminal.Further, a scanned data sending destination or a facsimile sendingdestination stored in a compound machine can be obtained by anothercompound machine, or user information stored in a compound machine canbe edited in a terminal.

(5) Image Data

In the following, relating to the first example and the fourth example,“image data” is described in detail. With reference to FIGS. 14A and14B, storing formats of data in a file are described. In a compoundmachine 101, as shown in FIG. 14A, image data (scanned data or printdata) is stored in a file having a storing format in which storing areasare arranged sequentially in a HDD and the like. The file of the formatshown in FIG. 14A is referred to as “RAW file” hereinafter.

In the file system of UNIX, as shown in FIG. 14B, data is stored in afile having a storing format in which storing areas in a HDD arearranged discretely. The file of the storing format for the file systemof UNIX is referred to as “FS file” hereinafter.

In “backup process” in the first example and “storing process” in thefourth example, image data is stored in a RAW file that corresponds toan image forming job (scanning job or printing job) in the HDD 233 orthe SD memory card of the compound machine 101. That is, pieces of imagedata are stored in RAW files in units of image forming jobs. Then, thedata in the RAW file is stored in a FS file corresponding to the imageforming job in the file system of the HDD 703.

In “restore process” of the first example or in “obtaining process” ofthe fourth example, the image data in the FS file stored in the filesystem in the HDD 703 is obtained and stored in a RAW file in the HDD233 or the SD memory card 602 of the compound machine 101.

Since the RAW file has an advantage in that reading and writing can beperformed at high speed, the RAW file is suitable for image formingprocesses that require high speed processing. In the backup process ofthe first example or in the storing process of the fourth example, sincethe image data is read from the high speed RAW file and is stored in thelow speed FS file in which the file format is converted in the storingside, the speed of image forming processes in the compound machine sideis not affected by the backup process or the storing process. Inaddition, by using the CPU 211 only for image forming processes whileDMA transfer is used for the backup process or the storing process, thebackup process or the storing process can be performed asynchronously tothe image forming processes.

For convenience of image forming processes, the image data for the imageforming processes, RAW files or FS files are stored in units of imageforming jobs. In a case when image data of three pages is scanned in onetime scanning job, the image data of the three pages is stored in a RAWfile or in a FS file. In a case when image data of five pages is to beprinted in one time printing job, the image data of the five pages isstored in a RAW file or in a FS file.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram in which the backup process of the firstexample or the storing process of the fourth example is applied to acopy process (scanning process).

First, the copy application 141 (or SDK application) opens a RAW file inthe compound machine 101 by using the MCS 165 in step 101. Next, the MCS165 searches the HDD 233 for usable sequential storing areas in step102. Next, the copy application 141 sets parameters (ADF/A4/color andthe like) for a scanning process by using the ECS 164 in step 103, andinstructs the ECS 164 to start the scanning process in step 104. Next,the ECS 164 performs the scanning process in step 105, and the MCS 165stores the scanned image data in the RAW file in step 106. Next, the ECS164 notifies the copy application 141 of the end of the scanning processin step 107. After that, the copy application 141 closes the RAW file ofthe compound machine by using the MCS 165.

Next, the copy application 141 (or SDK application) opens the RAW fileby using the MCS 165 in step 111. Next, the copy application 141 mountsdirectories (file system 1001) of the server computer 701 on thecompound machine 101 by using the OS 136 in step 112, so that the OS 136opens a FS file in the server computer 701 in step 113. The directoriesto be mounted can be selected automatically or can be selected manuallyby using the touch panel 311. Next, the MCS 165 reads the scanned imagedata from the RAW file and write the scanned image data to the FS filein step 114. Next, the copy application 141 closes the RAW file by usingthe MCS 165 in step 115. Finally, the copy application 141 closes the FSfile of the server computer by using the OS 136 in step 116, and thedirectories of the server computer is unmounted from the compoundmachine 101 by the OS 136 in step 117.

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram in which the restore process of the firstexample or the obtaining process of the fourth example is applied to thecopy process (print process).

First, the copy application 141 (or SDK application) mounts thedirectories (file system 1001) of the server computer 701 on thecompound machine 101 in step 201, so that the OS 136 opens a FS file ofthe server computer 701 in step 202. The directories to be mounted canbe selected automatically or can be selected manually by using the touchpanel 311. Next, the copy application 141 opens a RAW file in thecompound machine 101 by using the MCS 165 in step 203. Next, the MCS 165searches the HDD 233 for usable sequential storing areas in step 204.Next, the MCS 165 reads the scanned image data from the FS file andwrite the scanned image data into the RAW file in step 205. Next, thecopy application 141 closes the RAW file of the compound machine 101 instep 206. Next, the copy application 141 closes the FS file of theserver computer 701 by using the OS 136 in step 207, and unmounts thedirectories of the server computer 701 from the compound machine 101 byusing the OS 136 in step 208.

Next, the copy application 141 (or SDK application) sets parameters(staple/A4/color and the like) for printing by using the ECS 164 in step211, and instructs the ECS 164 to start printing in step 212. Next, ECS164 performs printing in step 213. Finally, the ECS 164 notifies thecopy application 141 of the end of the printing in step 214.

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram in which the backup process of the firstexample or the storing process of the fourth example is applied to afacsimile sending process.

First, the facsimile application 144 (or SDK application) opens a RAWfile in the compound machine 101 by using the MCS 165 in step 301. Next,the MCS 165 searches the HDD 233 for usable sequential storing areas instep 302. Next, the facsimile application 144 sets parameters(ADF/A4/black and white and the like) for a scanning process by usingthe ECS 164 in step 303, and instructs the ECS 164 to start the scanningprocess in step 304. Next, the ECS 164 performs the scanning process instep 305, and the MCS 165 stores the scanned image data in the RAW filein step 306. Next, the ECS 164 notifies the facsimile application 144 ofthe end of the scanning process in step 307. After that, the facsimileapplication 144 closes the RAW file of the compound machine 101 by usingthe MCS 165 in step 308.

Next, the facsimile application 144 (or SDK application) sets parameters(facsimile destination and the like) for facsimile sending process byusing the FCS 162 in step 311, and instructs the FCS 162 to start thefacsimile sending process in step 312. Next, FCS 162 performs thefacsimile sending process in step 313. Then, the FCS 162 notifies thefacsimile application 144 of the end of the facsimile sending process instep 314.

Next, the facsimile application 144 (or SDK application) opens the RAWfile by using the MCS 165 in step 321. Next, the facsimile application144 mounts directories (file system 1001) of the server computer 701 onthe compound machine 101 by using the OS 136 in step 322, so that the OS136 opens a FS file in the server computer 701 in step 323. Thedirectories to be mounted can be selected automatically or can beselected manually by using the touch panel 311. Next, the MCS 165 readsthe scanned image data from the RAW file and writes the scanned imagedata to the FS file in step 324. Next, the facsimile application 144closes the RAW file by using the MCS 165 in step 325. Finally, thefacsimile application 144 closes the FS file of the server computer byusing the OS 136 in step 326, and the directories of the server computeris unmounted from the compound machine 101 by the OS 136 in step 327.

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram in which the backup process of the firstexample or the storing process of the fourth example is applied to thefacsimile receiving process.

First, the facsimile application 144 (or SDK application) mounts thedirectories (file system 1001) of the server computer 701 on thecompound machine 101 in step 401, so that the OS 136 opens a FS file ofthe server computer 701 in step 402. The directories to be mounted canbe selected automatically or can be selected manually by using the touchpanel 311. Next, the facsimile application 144 opens a RAW file of areceived facsimile in the compound machine 101 by using the MCS 165 instep 403. Next, the MCS 165 reads the facsimile image data from the RAWfile and write the facsimile image data into the FS file in step 404.Next, the facsimile closes the RAW file of the received facsimile in thecompound machine 101 in step 405. Finally, the facsimile application 144closes the FS file of the server computer 701 by using the OS 136 instep 406, and unmounts the directories of the server computer 701 fromthe compound machine 101 by using the OS 136 in step 407.

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram in which the backup process of the firstembodiment and the storing process of the fourth embodiment is appliedto a printing process.

A PC instructs the compound machine 101 to perform the printing processin step 501, and sends print data to the compound machine 101 in step502. Next, the printer application 142 opens a RAW file of the compoundmachine 101 by using the MCS 165 in step 503. Next, the MCS 165 searchesthe HDD for usable sequential storing areas in step 504. Next, theprinter application 142 rasterizes the transferred print data in step505. Then, the MCS 165 stores the rasterized print data into the RAWfile in step 506, and the ECS 164 performs a printing process for theprint data stored in the RAW file in step 507. The steps 505, 506 and507 are performed in parallel for each page. Then, the printerapplication 142 closes the RAW file of the compound machine 101 by usingthe MCS 165 in step 508.

Next, the printer application 142 mounts the directories (file system1001) of the server computer 701 on the compound machine by using the OS136 in step 511, and opens the FS file of the server computer 701 byusing the OS 136 in step 512. The directories to be mounted can beautomatically selected or can be selected manually by using the touchpanel 311. Next, the MCS 165 reads print data from the RAW file andwrites the print data to the FS file in step 514. Next, the printerapplication 142 closes the RAW file by using the MCS 165 in step 515.Finally, the printer application 142 closes the FS file of the servercomputer 701 in step 516 and unmounts the directories of the servercomputer 701 from the compound machine 101 in step 517.

(6) User Information

In the following, relating to the first example and the fourth, example,user information is described in detail.

The compound machine 101 performs authentication or user restriction forusers who uses the compound machine 101. That is, each user who wants touse the compound machine 101 should be authenticated by the compoundmachine 101. Further, use restriction for resources of the compoundmachine 101 is performed. For example, a user A is restricted to useonly a file A, a user B is restricted not to use a directory B. Theauthentication process and the use restriction process are performed bythe CCS 167.

The compound machine 101 stores authentication information and userestriction information, wherein the authentication information is usedfor authenticating users and the use restriction information is used forrestricting use of resources of the compound machine 101. The storingdestination of the authentication information and the use restrictioninformation may be either of the HDD 233 or the SD memory card 602 ofthe compound machine 101. However, considering usage of theauthentication information and the use restriction information, the SDmemory card 602 that is an IC memory may be better than the HDD 233 thatis a magnetic memory. A NVRAM (nonvolatile random-access memory) in thecompound machine 101 may be used as the storing destination of theauthentication information and the use restriction information. Theauthentication information and the use restriction information aremanaged by the UCS 168.

A user who manages the compound machine 101 registers authenticationinformation of users and sets use restriction information of users.Then, the compound machine is restarted so that the authenticationregistration setting or use restriction setting becomes effective. Theseoperations are the same as those of account registration and modesetting of UNIX.

In the backup process of the first example or the storing process of thefourth example, the use restriction information stored in the SD memorycard 602 (or HDD 233) of the compound machine 101 is stored in the filesystem 1001 in the HDD 703.

In the restore process of the first example or the obtaining process ofthe fourth example, the use restriction information stored in the filesystem 1001 in the HDD 703 is obtained by the SD memory card 602 (or HDD233) of the compound machine 101.

Retaining a high level of security is becoming an important problem asthe information processing function of the compound machine 101 hasbecome more advanced. The use restriction information is importantinformation for retaining the security of the compound machine 101. Forthis purpose, loss or theft of the use restriction information should beavoided. Thus, a backup of the use restriction information can beperformed by using the backup method of the first example. Further, forthe purpose of sharing use restriction information, the use restrictioninformation can be stored by the storing process of the fourth example.

FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram of the authentication process and the userestriction process.

First, an authentication registration request is sent from theapplication 131 to the CCS 167 in step 601. Next, the CCS 167 performsan authentication registration process for the application 131 in step602. Next, an authentication registration response is sent from the CCS167 to the application 131 in step 603. By sending the authenticationregistration response, an authentication method is notified wherein theauthentication method may be login, media, biometrics, coin lack, orprepaid card or the like.

Next, an authentication screen display request is sent from theapplication to the CCS 167 in step 611. Next, when a user inputsauthentication information on an authentication screen, anauthentication request of the user is sent from the CCS 167 to the UCS168 in step 612. Next, the UCS 168 performs authentication process ofthe user in step 613. Next, an authentication response of the user issent from the UCS 168 to the CCS 167 in step 614. Then, the CCS 167distributes a ticket of the user as a use restriction process (userestriction release process) in step 615. Finally, an authenticationscreen display release request is sent from the application 131 to theCCS 167 in step 616.

(7) Power Source Mode

Relating to the second example and the third example, “power sourcemode” is described.

Two power source modes exist in the compound machine 101. One mode is“ON mode” that corresponds to a status where the power is on. Anothermode is “OFF mode” that corresponds to a status where the power is OFF.When the compound machine 101 is used, from a point of view ofconvenience, it is desirable to keep “ON mode” so as to set the compoundmachine in a waiting mode at all times. However, from a viewpoint ofpower saving, it is not desirable to keep “ON mode” at all times.

Thus, the “ON mode” includes a “power saving mode” in addition to anormal “waiting mode”, wherein the power saving mode is a mode forsaving consumed power while the compound machine is waiting for imageforming process. In the power saving mode, power sources that usuallyconsume large power in a waiting status reduce power consumption,wherein the power sources that usually consume large power include aheater power source of a phaser of the printing part 122, a motor powersource of a spindle of the HDD 233, a panel power source of the touchpanel 311 and the like. Power sources that consume small power such as apower source of NIC 241 remains in the usual waiting mode. Accordingly,the viewpoint of convenience and the viewpoint of the power savingbecome compatible.

When a predetermined time (three minutes, for example) elapses or when acurrent time enters a predetermined time zone (mid-night, for example)in a waiting mode, the mode changes to the power saving mode. In thepower saving mode, when a predetermined time (three minutes, forexample) elapses or when a current time enters a predetermined time zone(mid-night, for example), the mode changes to the OFF mode. In the OFFmode, when the compound machine 101 receives facsimile image data orscanned data of print data, the mode changes to the power saving mode.When the power is turned off, the power mode is changed from ON mode(waiting mode or power saving mode) to OFF mode. When the power isturned on, the power source mode is changed from OFF mode to ON mode(waiting mode).

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a transition process from thewaiting mode to the power saving mode.

When a predetermined time elapses or when a current time enters apredetermined time zone in a waiting mode in step 711, a request oftransition to the power saving mode is sent from the SCS 169 to the MCS165 and to the application 131 in step 712. Then, a response oftransition to the power saving mode is sent from the MCS 165 and fromthe application 131 to the SCS 169 in step 713. Next, a decisionnotification of transition to the power saving mode is sent from the SCS169 to the MCS 165 and the application 131 in step 714. Next, a decisionnotification of transition to the power saving mode of the power sourceof the HDD 233 is sent from the MCS 165 to the application 131 in step715.

When an operation is performed in the compound machine 101 in the powersaving mode in step 721, a decision notification of transition to thewaiting mode is sent from the SCS 169 to the MCS 165 and to theapplication 131 in step 722. Next, a decision notification of transitionto a waiting mode in the power source of the HDD 233 is sent from theMCS 165 to the application 131 in step 723.

FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram of a transition process from the powersaving mode to the OFF mode.

When a predetermined time elapses in the power saving mode or when acurrent time enters a predetermined time zone in the power saving modein step 731, a request of transition to the OFF mode is sent from theSCS 169 to the MCS 165 and the application 131 in step 732. Then, aresponse of transition to the OFF mode is sent from the MCS 165 and theapplication 131 to the SCS 169 in step 733. Next, a decisionnotification of transition to the OFF mode is sent from the SCS 169 tothe MCS 165 and the application 131 in step 734. Next, a decisionnotification of transition to the OFF mode of the power source of theHDD 233 is sent from the MCS 165 to the application 131 in step 735.

When the compound machine receives facsimile image data in the OFF modein step 741, the facsimile image data is sent from the FCS 162 to theMCS 165 by which the facsimile image data is stored in step 742. Then, anotification of storing the facsimile image data is sent from the MCS165 to the application 131 in step 743. Next, a notification of storingthe facsimile image data is sent from the application 131 to the SCS 169in step 744, and a decision notification of transition to the powersaving mode is sent from the SCS 169 to the MCS 165 and the application131 in step 745. Next, a decision notification of transition to thepower saving state of the power source of the HDD 233 is sent from theMCS 165 to the application 131 in step 746.

Since the power of the HDD 233 becomes in the power saving status in thepower saving mode, a program cannot be launched from the HDD 233.However, since a power source of the NIC 241 is in a waiting status, aprogram can be launched via the NIC 241. In other words, a program canbe launched via a network. Although a program in the HDD 233 cannot belaunched, a program in the HDD 703 (or in the SD memory card 705) of theserver computer 701 can be launched. Thus, in the second or thirdexample, the HDD 703 in the server computer 701 is used as a storingdestination of a SDK application, so that the SDK application stored inthe HDD 703 is loaded into the compound machine 101 and is launched inthe compound machine 101.

In the second example, the SDK application can be launched in either ofthe waiting mode or in the power saving mode. In the third example, evenwhen the mode is changed from the waiting mode to the power saving modewhile debugging the SDK application, the debugging of the SDKapplication is not interrupted.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a launching process of the SDK application inthe HDD 233.

For launching the SDK application stored in the HDD 233 in step 811, thecompound machine 101 loads an execution portion of the SDK applicationinto the VM (virtual memory) in step 812. When the mode becomes thepower saving mode while the SDK application is in an idle state (steps813, 814), the compound machine 101 checks if a necessary portion of theSDK application is loaded in the VM. When the necessary portion of theSDK application is not loaded in the VM in step 815, the compoundmachine tries to access the HDD 233 to load the necessary portion of theSDK application into the VM in step 816. However, since the HDD 233 isin the power saving status, the HDD 233 cannot be accessed so that thenecessary portion of the SDK application cannot be restored in the VM.As a result, the SDK application enters a sleep status in step 817.

To avoid this problem, the SDK application or a daemon may be loaded andexecuted in a RAM or a ROM. However, this method has a problem in thatthe capacity of the RAM or a ROM may become insufficient.

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of a launching process of a SDK application inthe HDD 703.

In a case when a SDK application stored in the HDD 703 is loaded in thecompound machine in step 821, the compound machine 101 loads anexecution portion of the SDK application in the VM in step 822. When themode becomes the power saving mode while the SDK application is in anidle state (steps 823, 824), the compound machine 101 checks if anecessary portion of the SDK application is loaded in the VM. When thenecessary portion of the SDK application is not loaded in the VM in step825, the compound machine tries to access the HDD 703 to load thenecessary portion of the SDK application into the VM in step 826. Inthis case, since the NIC 241 is in a waiting mode, the HDD 703 can beaccessed, so that the necessary portion of the SDK application can beloaded in the VM. The SDK application is still in an idle state in step827. In the above mentioned embodiment, the MCS 165 is an example of theinformation processing program of the present invention, and a SD memorycard storing the MCS 165 is an example of the recording medium of thepresent invention. The compound machine 101 is an example of the imageforming apparatus of the present invention and the informationprocessing performed in the compound machine 101 is an example of theinformation processing method of the present invention.

Second Embodiment

In the following, the second embodiment of the present invention isdescribed. The second embodiment is different from the first embodimentin that the compound machine 101 functions as a server of NFS in thesecond embodiment.

(NFS)

In the following, an information processing system of FIG. 25 includingthe compound machine 101 shown in FIG. 1 is described. The informationprocessing system shown in FIG. 25 includes the compound machine 101 anda PC (personal computer) 1701. The compound machine 101 and the PC 1701are connected by a LAN (local area network) 1702. The LAN 1702 isconstituted by the Ethernet in this example.

The compound machine 101 of FIG. 1 performs various informationprocesses by using various programs such as applications 131 andplatforms 132. The compound machine includes storing devices such as theHDD 233 and the SD memory card 602. In the information processing systemof FIG. 25, not only the compound machine 101 but also the PC 1701 canuse the HDD 233 and the SD memory card 602 in the compound machine 101.

To realize this configuration, NFS (network file system) that is one oftechnologies for realizing a distributed file system is used in thisembodiment. A file system in the HDD 203 in the compound machine 101 canbe used as a distributed file system of the PC 1701. In the informationprocessing system of FIG. 25, a file system of the compound machine 101is used as a storing destination of information relating to informationprocessing of the PC 1701.

UNIX as the OS 136 is installed in the HDD 223 of the compound machine101. The compound machine 101 functions as a server (NFS server) of thedistributed file system of NFS. The OS (UNIX) is also installed in theHDD 1703 in the PC 1701. The PC 1701 is connected to the compoundmachine 101 via the network, so that the PC 1701 functions as a client(NSF client) of NFS. Accordingly, information processing of NFS such as“vfs (virtual file system) operation”, “v-node (virtual node) operation”can be performed by UNIX.

Network protocols used for network communications for NFS between thecompound machine 101 and the PC 1701 are IP as a network (third) layerprotocol in OSI reference model, UDP as a transport (fourth) layerprotocol, RPC as a session (fifth) layer protocol, and XDR as apresentation (sixth) layer protocol. Although TCP may be used as thetransport (fourth) layer protocol, UDP is used in this embodiment inconsideration of speed rather than reliability.

As a technology for realizing the distributed file system, “samba” maybe used instead of NFS. In this case, UNIX is installed in the HDD 233of the compound machine 101 so that the compound machine 101 functionsas a server (samba server) of the distributed file system of samba.Windows is installed in the HDD 1703 in the PC 1701 as the OS 1706, sothat the PC 1701 functions as a client (samba client) in samba. By usingsamba, the Windows machine can use shared folders in a UNIX machine.

Network protocols for performing network communications for sambabetween the compound machine 101 and the PC 1701 are IP as the thirdlayer, TCP as the fourth layer, NETBIOS as the fifth layer, SMB as thesixth layer, and samba as the seventh layer. Alternatively, NetBEUI canbe used as the third and fourth layers, and NETBIOS can be used as thefifth layer. Further alternatively, IPX can be used as the third layer,and SPX can be used as the fourth and fifth layers. Since SMB supportsthe folder sharing function and the file sharing function of Windows,the samba server can be called as a SMB server and the samba client canbe called a SMB client.

As mentioned above, although either of NFS or samba or othertechnologies can be used for realizing the distributed file system, NFSis used in the following example.

By referring to FIG. 26, an example of information processing performedby the PC 1701 in the case where an application 1708 in the PC 1701accesses a file in the file system of the compound machine 101 isdescribed.

When the application 1708 in the PC 1701 accesses a file in a filesystem of the compound machine 101, the application issues a mountsystem call for the file system of the compound machine 101 in step1801. In response to that, the OS 1706 of the PC 1701 mounts the filesystem of the compound machine 101 on the PC 1701 in step 1802, so thatthe file system of the compound machine 101 is accessible as adistributed file system of the PC 1701.

Next, the application 1708 of the PC 1701 accesses the file system asthe distributed file system of the PC 1701 so as to access the file.

When the application 1708 of the PC 1701 starts to access the file, theapplication issues an open system call to the file in step 1803. Whenthe application ends to access the file, the application issues a closesystem call to the file in step 1806. By performing the open systemcall, the application 1708 of the PC 1701 obtains a file descriptor ofthe file and the OS 1706 of the PC 1701 obtains a file handle of thefile.

When the application 1708 of the PC 1701 accesses the file, theapplication 1708 performs a system call by using the file descriptor instep 1804. In response to that, the OS 1706 of the PC 1701 sends asystem call of the file descriptor as a NFS call of the file handle tothe OS 136 of the compound machine 101 in step 1805. When the OS 136 ofthe compound machine 101 receives the NFS call, the OS 136 executes acommand of the NFS call.

The file system of the PC 1701 is described with reference to FIG. 27.In UNIX, the storage area in the HDD is managed by dividing the areainto a plurality of partitions. Usually, in UNIX, the partitions from“a” to “h” exists. The partition “a” is a root file system “/”, thepartition “b” is SWAP, “c” is a whole area, partitions from “d” to “h”are the file system such as “/user” and the like. FIG. 27 is an exampleof information on the file system of the PC 1701 that is displayed by adf command of the OS 1706 (UNIX).

FIG. 27 shows that “a” in the HDD 1703 is mounted on “/”, “e” is mountedon “/user”. In addition, FIG. 27 shows that “/dir1” that is a directory(file system) of the compound machine 101 “host_a” is mounted on“/host_a/dir1” that is a directory (mount point) of the PC 1701.

As mentioned above, in the information processing system of FIG. 25, NFS(network file system) that is one of technologies for realizing thedistributed file system can be used. In the following, an example ofusage of NFS in the information processing system of FIG. 25 isdescribed in more detail.

(1) Examples of Usage of NFS

FIG. 28 is a figure for explaining examples of usage of NFS.

The file system 2001 of FIG. 28 is a file system of the compound machine101 to be accessed by various apparatuses as distributed file systems ofthe various apparatuses.

PC 1701 accesses the file system 2001 of the compound machine 101 as adistributed file system of the PC 1701, so that the PC 1701 can store afile 2021 used for printing in a directory 2011 in the file system 2001.In the same way, a file 2022 used for facsimile sending can be stored ina directory 2012 used for facsimile sending. In the same way, a file2023 used for printing can be stored in a directory 2013 used forprinting. In the same way, a file 2024 used for facsimile sending can bestored in a directory 2014 used for facsimile sending. In the same way,a file 2025 for ftp can be stored in a directory 2015 for ftpprocessing. In the same way, a file 2026 used for mail processing can bestored in a directory 2016 for mail processing.

The path names of the file system 2001 shown in FIG. 28 as “*”. Pathnames of the directories 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 are shownin FIG. 28 as path names “A, B, C, D, E, F”.

When a file is stored in the directory 2011 for printing in the filesystem 2001, the compound machine 101 performs print process for thefile. The application (printer application 142 or SDK application)performs the print process. The file to be stored is an electronicdocument file for example.

When a file for facsimile sending is stored in the directory 2012 in thefile system 2001, the compound machine 101 performs facsimile sendingprocessing for the file. The application (facsimile application 144 orSDK application) performs the facsimile sending processing. The file tobe stored is a scanned image file for example.

As mentioned above, when a file is stored in a directory correspondingto a specific image forming process such as the directories 2011 and2012, the compound machine 101 performs the specific image formingprocess such as printing or facsimile sending. This usage of NFS ispossible only by the compound machine 101 that has the image formingfunctions. Only by performing the simple process of storing a file in adirectory, the image forming process (local) can be performed.

When a file is stored in the directory 2013 that is used for storing afile for printing, the compound machine 101 causes an image formingapparatus (printer/compound machine and the like) other than thecompound machine 101 to perform a printing process for the file. Morespecifically, the application 131 (printer application 142 or the SDKapplication) causes an image forming apparatus to perform the printingprocess. The file to be stored is an electronic document file, forexample.

When a file is stored in the directory 2014 that is used for storing afile for facsimile sending, the compound machine 101 causes an imageforming apparatus (facsimile machine/compound machine and the like)other than the compound machine 101 to perform a facsimile sendingprocess for the file. More specifically, the application 131 (facsimileapplication 142 or the SDK application) causes an image formingapparatus to perform the facsimile sending process. The file to bestored is a scan image file, for example.

As mentioned above, when a file is stored in a directory correspondingto a specific image forming process such as the directories 2013 and2014, the compound machine 101 causes an image forming apparatus otherthan the compound machine 101 to perform the specific image formingprocess such as printing or facsimile sending. This usage of NFS ispossible only by the compound machine 101 that has image formingfunctions by performing distributed processing. Only by performing thesimple process of storing a file in a directory, the image formingprocess (remote) can be performed.

When a file is stored in the directory 2015 used for storing a ftpprocessing file, the compound machine 101 performs a ftp process such asfile transfer and file update by using ftp (file transfer protocol) forthe file. The application (network file application 145 or SDKapplication) performs the ftp process. The file to be stored is anelectronic document file for example.

When a file for mail processing is stored in the directory 2016 used formail processes, the compound machine 101 performs a mail process for thefile. In the mail process, for example, a mail with the file as anattached file is sent. The application (network file application 145 orSDK application) performs the facsimile sending processing.

As mentioned above, when a file is stored in a directory corresponding aspecific communication process such as the directories 2015 and 2016,the compound machine 101 performs the specific image forming processsuch as the ftp process or the mail process. This usage of NFS ispossible only by the compound machine 101 that has advancedcommunication functions equivalent to communication functions of a PC.Only by performing the simple process of storing a file in a directory,advanced communication processes can be performed.

(2) Directory 2011 for Print Processing

In the following, the directory 2011 for the print process is describedin detail.

FIG. 29 shows a sequence diagram of the print process. In the compoundmachine 101, the printer application 142 is launched as a daemon processin step 11, and the printer application 142 searches the directory 2011at predetermined time intervals (three minutes, for example) in step 12.When a file is found in the directory 2011, the printer application 142generates a RAW file (file used for an image forming process) from thefile by using the MCS 165 in step 13. Next, a print request for the RAWfile is sent from the printer application 142 to the ECS 164 in step 14.Then, the ECS 164 performs a print process using the RAW file in step15, and a print response for the RAW file is sent from the ECS 164 tothe printer application 142 in step 16. Next, the printer application142 deletes the RAW file by using the MCS 165 in step 17.

(3) Directory 2012 for a Facsimile Sending Process

In the following, the directory 2012 for the facsimile sending processis described in detail. FIG. 30 is a sequence diagram for the facsimilesending process. In the compound machine 101, the facsimile application144 is launched as a daemon process in step 21, and the facsimileapplication 144 searches the directory 2012 at predetermined timeintervals (three minutes, for example) in step 22. When a file is foundin the directory 2012, the facsimile application 144 generates a RAWfile (file used for an image forming process) from the file by using theMCS 165 in step 23. Next, a facsimile sending request for the RAW fileis sent from the facsimile application 144 to the FCS 162 in step 24.Then, the FCS 162 performs a facsimile sending process using the RAWfile in step 25, and a facsimile sending response for the RAW file issent from the FCS 162 to the facsimile application 144 in step 26. Next,the facsimile application 144 deletes the RAW file by using the MCS 165in step 27.

In the following, a facsimile sending destination of the facsimilesending process is described. In the directory 2012 for the facsimilesending process, a directory “03-1234-5678” exists as shown in the pathname “B1” in FIG. 28. When a file is stored in the directory“03-1234-5678”, the compound machine 101 starts to perform facsimilesending process to send the file data to a facsimile telephone number“03-1234-5678”. As mentioned above, when a file is stored in thedirectory that corresponds to a facsimile sending process for sending afacsimile to a predetermined facsimile sending destination, the compoundmachine 101 performs the facsimile sending process to send the file datato the predetermined facsimile sending destination. Information of thefacsimile sending destination is obtained in step 22 and passed to theFCS 162 in step 24 and used in step 25.

(4) Directory 2013 for a Print Process

In the following, a directory 2013 for a print process is described indetail.

FIG. 31 is a sequence diagram of the print process. In the compoundmachine 101, the printer application 142 is launched as a daemon processin step 31, and the printer application 142 searches the directory 2013at predetermined time intervals (three minutes, for example) in step 32.When a file is found in the directory 2013, the printer application 142sends the file and a print job execution request to an image formingapparatus 2031 other than the compound machine 101 by using the NCS 161in steps 33 and 34. In response to that, the image forming apparatus2031 performs the print job for the file in step 35.

In the following, the destination for sending the print job executionrequest is described. In the directory for the print process, adirectory “192.168.0.2” exists as shown in the path name “C1” in FIG.28. When a file is stored in the directory “192.168.0.2”, the compoundmachine 101 causes the image forming apparatus 2031 having an IP address“192.168.0.2” to print the file. As mentioned above, when a file isstored in a directory corresponding to a print process by apredetermined image forming apparatus, the compound machine 101 causesthe predetermined image forming apparatus to perform a print process forthe file. Information of the destination for sending the print executionrequest is obtained in step 32, passed to the NCS 161 in step 33 and isused in step 34.

(5) Directory 2014 for Facsimile Sending Process

In the following, the directory 2014 for the facsimile sending processis described in detail.

FIG. 32 is a sequence diagram of the facsimile sending process. In thecompound machine 101, the facsimile application 144 is launched as adaemon process in step 41, and the facsimile application 144 searchesthe directory 2014 at predetermined time intervals (three minutes, forexample) in step 42. When a file is found in the directory 2014, thefacsimile application 144 sends the file and a facsimile sending jobexecution request to an image forming apparatus 2032 other than thecompound machine 101 by using the NCS 161 in steps 43 and 44. Inresponse to that, the image forming apparatus 2032 performs thefacsimile sending job for the file in step 45.

In the following, the destination for sending the facsimile sending jobexecution request is described. In the directory 2014 for the facsimilesending process, a directory “192.168.0.2/03-1234-5678” exists as shownin the path name “D1” in FIG. 28. When a file is stored in the directory“192.168.0.2/03-1234-5678”, the compound machine 101 causes the imageforming apparatus 2032 having an IP address “192.168.0.2” to send afacsimile to a facsimile telephone number “03-1234-5678”. As mentionedabove, when a file is stored in a directory corresponding to a facsimilesending process by a predetermined image forming apparatus, the compoundmachine 101 causes the predetermined image forming apparatus to performthe facsimile sending process for the file. Information of thedestination for sending the facsimile sending process execution requestis obtained in step 42, passed to the image forming apparatus 2032 insteps 43 and 44 and is used in step 45.

(6) Directory 2015 for a Ftp Process

In the following, the directory 2015 for the ftp process is described indetail.

In the directory 2015, a directory “192.168.0.2/put” exists as shown inthe path name “E1” in FIG. 28. When a file is stored in the directory“192.168.0.2/put”, the compound machine 101 sends the file to a ftpserver having an IP address “192.168.0.2”. In the directory 2015, adirectory “ftp.ricoh.co.jp/put” exists as shown in the path name “E3” inFIG. 28. When a file is stored in the directory “ftp.ricoh.co.jp/put”,the compound machine 101 sends the file to a ftp server having a domainname “ftp.ricoh.co.jp”. As mentioned above, when a file is stored in thedirectory corresponding to the file transfer process for transferringthe file to a predetermined destination, the compound machine 101performs a file transfer process to send the file to the predetermineddestination. Information of the file transferring destination isobtained in step 52 and is used in step 53 in FIG. 33.

In the directory 2015, a directory “192.168.0.2/get” exists as shown inthe path name “E2” in FIG. 28. When a file is stored in the directory“192.168.0.2/get”, the compound machine 101 updates the file byobtaining a file from a ftp server having an IP address “192.168.0.2”.In the directory 2015, a directory “ftp.ricoh.co.jp/get” exists as shownin the path name “E4” in FIG. 28. When a file is stored in the directory“ftp.ricoh.co.jp/get”, the compound machine 101 updates the file byobtaining a file from a ftp server having a domain name“ftp.ricoh.co.jp”. As mentioned above, when a file is stored in thedirectory corresponding to the file obtaining process for obtaining thefile from a predetermined destination, the compound machine 101 performsthe file updating process based on the file obtaining process.Information of the file obtaining source is obtained in step 62 and isused in step 63 in FIG. 34.

FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram of the file transfer process. In thecompound machine 101, the network file application 145 is launched as adaemon process in step 51, and the network file application 145 searchesthe directory 2015 at predetermined time intervals (three minutes, forexample) in step 52. When a file is found in a put directory in thedirectory 2015, the network file application 145 sends the file to anftp server 2041 by using the NCS 161 in step 53.

FIG. 34 is a sequence diagram of the file update process. In thecompound machine 101, the network file application 145 is launched as adaemon process in step 61, and the network file application 145 searchesthe directory 2015 at predetermined time intervals (three minutes, forexample) in step 62. When a file is found in a get directory in thedirectory 2015, the network file application 145 performs the fileobtaining process to obtain a file same as the found file from the ftpserver 2041 by using the NCS 161 in step 63, and the network fileapplication 145 performs the file update process to update the originalfile with the obtained file in step 64.

(7) Directory 2016 for Mail Processing

In the following, the directory 2016 for a mail process is described indetail.

In the directory 2016 for the mail process, a directory“admin@ricoh.co.jp” exists as shown in the path name “F1” in FIG. 28.When a file is stored in the directory “admin@ricoh.co.jp”, the compoundmachine 101 performs a mail delivering process to send a mail to whichthe file is attached as an attached file to a mail server of the mailaddress “admin@ricoh.co.jp”. As mentioned above, when a file is storedin the directory for the mail delivering process to a predetermineddestination, the compound machine 101 performs the mail deliveringprocess to send a mail to which the file is attached as an attached fileto the predetermined destination. Information of the mail deliveringdestination is obtained in step 72 and is used in step 73 in FIG. 35.

FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram of the mail delivering process. In thecompound machine 101, the network file application 145 is launched as adaemon process in step 71, and the network file application 145 searchesthe directory 2016 at predetermined time intervals (three minutes, forexample) in step 72. When a file is found in the directory 2016, thenetwork file application 145 performs the mail delivering process todeliver the mail to which the file is attached as the attached file to amail server 2042 by using the NCS 161 in step 73.

(8) Cron

In the processes shown in the figures such as FIG. 29 for example, theprinter application 142 and the like is launched and a directory issearched by the printer application 142. Alternatively, the directorymay be searched by a cron function of UNIX. In this case, the printerapplication 142 and the like is launched after the file is searched bythe cron function of UNIX. The time interval at which the search processis executed may be set via a Web page provided by the compound machine101. In this embodiment, the application (131) is an example of theinformation processing program of the present invention, and an SDmemory card or a CD-ROM storing the application 131 is an example of therecording medium of the present invention. The compound machine 101 isan example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention andthe information processing performed in the compound machine 101 is anexample of the information processing method of the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosedembodiments, and variations and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

1. (canceled)
 2. An apparatus connected to an external apparatus via anetwork, comprising: a storage unit configured to include a plurality ofdata storing destinations, each of said data storing destinationsstoring data for executing a specific process and being associated withan application program for executing the specific process; a sharingcontrol unit configured to make the storage unit available to theexternal apparatus; and a process control unit configured to, when datais stored in a data storing destination based on an operation from theexternal apparatus, execute the specific process in the apparatus by arespective one of said application programs associated with the datastoring destination.
 3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein,when the application program associated with the data storingdestination is an application program for requesting a print process,the process control unit executes the print process.
 4. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, wherein, when the application program associatedwith the data storing destination is an application program forrequesting a facsimile sending process, the process control unitexecutes the facsimile sending process.
 5. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 2, wherein, when the application program associated with the datastoring destination is an application program for requesting a datatransferring process, the process control unit executes the datatransferring process.
 6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, whereinthe storage unit is a memory of a compound machine having functionsincluding printing and facsimile sending, and the external apparatus isa server computer.
 7. A method for permitting an external apparatus touse a storage unit connected to the external unit via a network,comprising the steps of: providing a storage unit configured to includea plurality of data storing destinations, each of said data storingdestinations storing data for executing a specific process and beingassociated with an application program for executing the specificprocess; making the storage unit available to the external apparatus viaa sharing control unit; and when data is stored in a data storingdestination based on an operation from the external apparatus, causingthe process control unit to execute the specific process in theapparatus by a respective one of said application programs associatedwith the data storing destination.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 7,wherein, when the application program associated with the data storingdestination is an application program for requesting a print process,the process control unit executes the print process.
 9. The method asclaimed in claim 7, wherein, when the application program associatedwith the data storing destination is an application program forrequesting a facsimile sending process, the process control unitexecutes the facsimile sending process.
 10. The method as claimed inclaim 7, wherein, when the application program associated with the datastoring destination is an application program for requesting a datatransferring process, the process control unit executes the datatransferring process.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein thestorage unit is a memory of a compound machine having functionsincluding printing and facsimile sending, and the external apparatus isa server computer.
 12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumthat stores a program which, when executed by a computer, causes thecomputer to perform a process comprising: making a storage unitconfigured to include a plurality of data storing destinations, each ofsaid data storing destinations storing data for executing a specificprocess and being associated with an application program for executingthe specific process, available to a network connected externalapparatus via a sharing control unit; and when data is stored in a datastoring destination based on an operation from the external apparatus,causing the process control unit to execute the specific process in theapparatus by a respective one of said application programs associatedwith the data storing destination.
 13. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium as claimed in claim 12, wherein, whenthe application program associated with the data storing destination isan application program for requesting a print process, the processcontrol unit executes the print process.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium as claimed in claim 12, wherein, whenthe application program associated with the data storing destination isan application program for requesting a facsimile sending process, theprocess control unit executes the facsimile sending process.
 15. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium as claimed in claim 12,wherein, when the application program associated with the data storingdestination is an application program for requesting a data transferringprocess, the process control unit executes the data transferringprocess.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium asclaimed in claim 12, wherein the storage unit is a memory of a compoundmachine having functions including printing and facsimile sending, andthe external apparatus is a server computer.